Eyewear with detachable adjustable electronics module

ABSTRACT

A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video input and/or output signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Related Applications

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/196,835, filed Aug. 2, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/730,106, filed Mar. 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.7,988,283, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/331,327, filed Dec. 9, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,018, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/352,938, filed Feb. 13,2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,936, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 10/993,217, filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,278,734, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/628,831, filed Jul. 28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,526, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional No. 60/399,317, filed Jul. 26,2002 and U.S. Provisional No. 60/460,154, filed Apr. 3, 2003, and whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/004,543, filedDec. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,647, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/585,593, filed Jun. 2, 2000, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,325,507; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/352,938, filed Feb. 13,2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,936 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/022,367, filed Dec. 22, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.8,482,488; and also claims priority from U.S. Provisional No.60/652,272, filed Feb. 11, 2005, U.S. Provisional No. 60/652,937, filedFeb. 14, 2005, and U.S. Provisional No. 60/729,645, filed Oct. 24, 2005.All of the foregoing are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Inventions

The present inventions are directed to wearable audio devices, and inparticular, devices that humans can wear on their heads and whichinclude electronics such as, for example, speakers, microphones,processors, transmitters, receivers, video display technology, and/orinterface electronics for interacting with a wireless network and/orproviding content to a user.

Description of the Related Art

There are numerous situations in which it is convenient and preferableto mount audio input and output devices so that they can be worn on thehead of a user. Such devices can be used for portable entertainment,personal communications, and the like. For example, these devices couldbe used in conjunction with cellular telephones, cordless telephones,radios, tape players, MP3 players, portable video systems, hand-heldcomputers and laptop computers.

The audio output for many of these systems is typically directed to thewearer through the use of transducers physically positioned in orcovering the ear, such as earphones and headphones. Earphones andheadphones, however, are often uncomfortable to use for long periods oftime.

In the portable audio playback and cell phone industries, certaindevices for remote audio listening and/or use of a cell phone havebecome more popular. Certain companies have begun to widely distributeportable audio playback devices, such as MP3 players, and headsets forcell phones that allow a user to listen to audio with the use ofheadphones or ear plugs. For example, a user can wear a headset havingspeakers connected by a flexible cable to an MP3 player, which can beworn on the belt. Additionally, certain companies have begun todistribute wireless speaker and microphone modules, such as Bluetoothheadsets, that are worn over the user's ear and allow wirelesscommunication between the user and his cell phone.

However, with such headsets, whenever a user wants to wear glasses orsunglasses, they must adjust or remove the headset from their ears.Further, it is often quite uncomfortable to wear both a headset and apair of sunglasses at the same time. Such discomfort, when applied for along period of time, can cause muscular pain and/or headaches. Inaddition, the flexible cable extending from the MP3 player to theheadphones and the instability of simultaneously wearing eyewear and aheadset can limit mobility of the wearer; particularly thoseparticipating in sporting activities.

Despite the variety of devices available in the prior art, there remainsa need for improved interface electronics and electronics modules, forproviding content to a wearer.

SUMMARY

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a dual speakereyewear system. The system comprises an eyeglass, having a right earstemand a left earstem. A first speaker is supported by the right earstem,and a second speaker is supported by the left earstem. An electronicsmodule is supported by the eyeglass and in electrical communication witheach of the first and second speakers.

The electronics module may be releasably connected to one of the rightand left earstems. The electronic module may include an MP3 formatmemory, a radio frequency receiver, a radio frequency transmitter, acellular telephone, video display technology, or other electronicdevices.

In embodiments having a speaker, the speaker may be adjustable relativeto the respective earstem, to align the speaker with the wearer's ear.Further, embodiments having video or heads-up display technology, thecomponents of the display can be adjusted to align the display in aproper viewing location relative to the wearer's eye.

In accordance with some embodiments, the electronics module can beremovably mounted to eyewear. The module comprises a housing and a clampmoveably mounted to the housing. A speaker is moveably mounted to thehousing, and electronics are contained within the housing. The clamp andthe speaker are moveable in a manner that permits conversion of themodule between a first configuration and a second configuration, whereinthe second configuration is a mirror image of the first configuration.

The heads-up display technology can be carried by the electronics modulefor mounting on a support. The electronics module can be adjustedrelative to the support to enable the heads-up display technology to beadjusted to user specifications. Thus, components of the heads-updisplay technology, such as inputs, outputs, circuitry, electronics,display panel, projector, etc. and other components can be adjusted, forexample, in three dimensions to provide optimal user accommodation.

Further features and advantages of embodiments will become apparent tothose of skill in the art in view of the detailed description ofpreferred embodiments which follows, when considered together with theattached drawings and claims.

In some embodiments, a support assembly is provided that can comprise awearable support configured to support first and second speakers near awearer's right and left ears, a first speaker supported by the wearablesupport and configured to be positioned near the wearer's ear when worn,an electronics module supported by the wearable support and inelectrical communication with each of the first and second speakers, anda display device supported by the support assembly. The first speaker,electronics module, and display device can be configured to be removablyattached to the wearable support.

Further, the eyewear system can comprises an eyeglass, having a firstearstem and a second earstem, a first speaker supported by the firstearstem, a display device supported by the first ear stem, and anelectronics module supported by the first earstem and in electricalcommunication with the first speaker, wherein the electronics module isconfigured to be rotated with respect to the first earstem whileattached to the first earstem. Further, in some embodiments, the eyewearsystem can comprise a second speaker supported by the second earstem andin communication with the electronics module.

In some embodiments, a dual speaker eyewear system can be provided whichcomprises an eyeglass, having a first ear stem and a second earstem; afirst speaker supported by the first earstem; a display device supportedby the first ear stem; and an electronics module supported by the firstearstem and in electrical communication with each of the first andsecond speakers, wherein the electronics module comprises a connectorthat allows the electronics module to be rotated with respect to thefirst ear stem and to be releasably connected to the first ear stem.Further, the system can comprise a second speaker supported by thesecond earstem.

In some embodiments, an electronics module can be provided for mountingto eyewear which comprises a housing; a clamp movably mounted to thehousing; a speaker movably mounted to the housing; a display devicesupported by the housing; and electronics contained in the housing;wherein the clamp and speaker are movable in a manner that permitsconversion of the module between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration which is a mirror image of the first configuration.

Some embodiments can also be configured such that the eyewear systemcomprises an eyeglass, having a right ear stem and a left earstem; afirst speaker supported by the right earstem; a display device supportedby the ride ear stem; and an electronics module supported by theeyeglass and in electrical communication with each of the first speakerand the display device, wherein the electronics module is releaseablyconnected to one of the right and left earstems, and wherein theelectronics module includes an MP3 format memory. Further, the systemcan comprise a second speaker supported by the left earstem.

The electronics module can comprise an MP3 format memory, a radiofrequency receiver, a radio frequency transmitter, and/or a cellulartelephone. The first speaker can be adjustable relative to the rightearstem. The system can further comprise an articulating arm thatcouples the first speaker to the right earstem.

In some embodiments, the support assembly can further comprise a secondspeaker supported by the wearable support and configured to bepositioned near the wearer's other ear when worn. Further, the firstspeaker can be adjustable relative to the wearable support. The assemblycan further comprise an articulating arm that couples the first speakerto the electronics module.

In accordance with other embodiments, a kit can be provided forelectronically enabling a wearable support. The kit can comprise a firstspeaker assembly comprising a first speaker and a first coupling, thefirst coupling configured to removably attach to the wearable support,source electronics supported by the first speaker assembly, a displaydevice supported by the first speaker assembly, and a communicationslink in communication with the first speaker, the display device, andthe source electronics.

Further, the kit can comprise a first speaker, adjustably connected to afirst clamp, source electronics adjustably connected to the first clamp,a display device supported by the first clamp, and a communications linkcoupling the first speaker to the source electronics and the displaydevice.

Further, some embodiments of the kit can also comprise a second speakeradjustably connected to a second clamp and in communication with thecommunications link. The kit can also be configured to comprise a secondspeaker assembly comprising a second speaker and a second coupling,wherein the second coupling is configured to removably attach to thewearable support. Further, the source electronics can comprise a digitalmusic player, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver,and/or a cellular telephone.

In some embodiments, the kit can comprise a first speaker, adjustablyconnected to a first clamp; source electronics; a display device; andwiring connecting the first speaker and the display device to the sourceelectronics, wherein the first speaker, the display device, sourceelectronics, and wiring are configured to be removably attached to aneyewear. Further, the kit can also comprise a second speaker adjustablyconnected to a second clamp.

The wearable support can comprise an article of clothing. Further, thekit can comprise an article of clothing. Further, the electronics modulecan be configured to be rotated with respect to the wearable supportwhile attached to the wearable support. In addition, the electronicsmodule can also comprise a clamp.

The kit can also be configured such that the source electronics areconfigured to be rotated with respect to the wearable support whileattached to the wearable support. In some embodiments of the kit, thecommunications link can comprise wiring. Further, the first coupling cancomprise a clamp. Finally, the first speaker assembly can furthercomprise a housing and an articulating arm, and the articulating arm cancouple the first speaker to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a support assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of another support assembly in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial side view of the support assembly of FIG. 2 showinglenses moved out of a wearer's field of view;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another support assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the support assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detachable module in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the coupler of the detachable module ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another coupler in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the speaker and arm of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an internal assembly of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of the grommet of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 19 and 20 show one aspect of the angular adjustability of thespeaker and arm of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 21 and 22 show one aspect of the linear translation and positionadjustability of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 23 shows the rotation of the coupling with respect to the housingof the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 24 shows the reversibility of the detachable module of FIG. 5 suchthat it may be moved from one earstem of a support to the other earstem;

FIG. 25 through 28 show the reversibility of the detachable module ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 29 is one embodiment of a method of moving a detachable module fromone earstem of eyewear to the other;

FIG. 30 shows a detachable module in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the clamp assembly of the detachable module ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are perspective views of coupling assemblies includingthe clamp assembly of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of the housing of detachablemodules suitable to be coupled with the coupling assemblies of FIGS. 33Aand 33B, respectively;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 30attached to a support;

FIGS. 36A-37B are side views of the detachable module of FIG. 30 coupledto a support, showing an anterior-posterior range of motion and avertical tilt range of motion;

FIGS. 38A-38C are end views of the detachable module of FIG. 35 showinga lateral-medial direction tilt range of motion;

FIG. 39A is one embodiment of an articulating arm suitable to beconnected to the detachable module of FIGS. 30-38C or directly to a pairof eyewear;

FIG. 39B is an exploded perspective view of the articulating arm of FIG.39A;

FIGS. 40-41C are side views of the articulating arm of FIG. 39A showingspecial adjustability of its multiple segments in a lateral-medialdirection;

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of a support assembly in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of one specific embodiment of the supportassembly of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a top view of a support assembly having a heads-up displaycomponent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a top view of a support assembly having a heads-up displaycomponent, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a side view of a support assembly having a heads-up displaycomponent, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a support assembly having a heads-updisplay component, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a support assembly that can form anelectrical interface with eyewear, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a front, left side, and top perspective view of amodification of a wearable audio device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a schematic illustration of an audio device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 51 is a schematic representation of a front elevational view of afurther modification of an audio device worn by a wearer and interactingwith source electronics, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a schematic illustration of an input data management system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 53A is an enlarged schematic representation of a front elevationalview of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 52.

FIG. 53B is a schematic representation of a left side elevational viewof the audio device illustrated in FIG. 53A.

FIG. 54 is a schematic representation of an audio and/or visual network,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 55 is a schematic representation of an audio and/or visual device,in accordance with some embodiments of FIG. 54.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A support assembly 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinventions are illustrated in FIG. 1. The support assembly 100 generallyincludes a support 102 and a detachable module 104, and can be anystructure worn by a wearer that is adapted to carry, hold, or containanother device, such as an electronic device. For example, the supportassembly 100 can be or include an audio device. In addition, the supportassembly 100 can include an eyeglass frame, sports or other protectivegoggle, or other eyewear assembly. Although generally described hereinas a detachable module, the module 104 can also be permanently mounted(by rigid fixation, or adjustably as disclosed in greater detail below)to the earstem, slide rail or other component of the eyeglass or otherheadwear.

The support 102 is generally any structure capable of being worn that isalso able to carry a device such as an electronic device. The support102 can include any of a variety of wearable structures such as, forexample, a hat, a belt, a vest, an article of clothing, and/or eyewear,including eyeglasses. As discussed further herein, embodiments can beprovided which allow a user to mount a visual display apparatus on theone of a variety of user wearable supports. However, it is alsocontemplated that the support can be any of a variety of otherstructures that are not physically worn by the user, but which can bemaintained in a generally stable or stationary spatial relationshiprelative to the user. In some embodiments, an adjustable module can beprovided which allows the user to access a visual display system in anyvariety of locations and conditions. As used herein, the terms “visual”and “video” can both be used to refer hardware or software used toprovide viewable data, video, or other information to a wearer. Thus,reference to a “video display device” does not require or convey thatthe device only displays videotaped or televised materials, but can alsoencompass digital displays, alphanumeric displays, and other non-videodisplays.

The detachable module 104 is any structure capable of being carried bythe support 102. In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes ahousing, containing an electronic assembly, as is described in greaterdetail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support 102 includes eyeglasses,which have a frame 106 that can include at least one orbital or lenssupport 108. The orbital 108 is adapted to hold at least one lens 110 inthe field of vision of the wearer of the support assembly 100.

The support 102 also includes at least one earstem 112. The earstem 112is coupled to the frame 106 with a coupling 114 located at the anteriorportion 116 of the earstem 112. In one embodiment, the coupling 114 is ahinge, although the coupling 114 can be any structure known to those ofskill in the art for coupling an earstem 112 to a frame 106. In otherembodiments, the support 102 does not include a coupling 114. In suchembodiments, the earstems 112 are integrally formed with the frame 106.

The earstem 112 includes a support section or rail 118 and a headcontacting portion 120. The rail 118 is designed to engage acorresponding clamp on the detachable module 104. The detachable module104 is detachably coupled to the rail 118 by any of a variety ofmechanisms, such as those described in greater detail below. Thedetachable module 104 is adapted to move with respect to the rail 118.In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 moves along the rail'slongitudinal axis in an anterior-posterior (or posterior-anterior)direction. Axial movement of the detachable module 104 with respect tothe rail 118 may be limited in the anterior direction by an anteriorstop 122, and in the posterior direction by a posterior stop 124.

The head contacting portion 120 of the earstem 112 can be provided withan elastomeric traction device, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,249,001, filed Aug. 27, 1991, which is incorporated by referenceherein. A padded portion on the head contacting portion 120 is generallymade from a soft material, such as a foam, a plastic, cloth, or any of avariety of soft polymers, and provides a comfortable interface betweenthe wearer's head and the support assembly 100 when worn by a user.

In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes one or more of acommunication module, a music module, an audio-video module, and/oranother electronics module. Such a module 104 can be used to drive aheads-up display such as those discussed further herein. In oneembodiment, the detachable module 104 is a communications module thatallows the wearer of the support assembly 100 to wirelessly communicatewith an electronic device. For example, the detachable module 104 caninclude one or more of a speaker, a microphone, a power supply and aBluetooth or other radio frequency transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating with a remote device such as a cellular telephone.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rail 118 is a longitudinalsegment of the earstem 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 118is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the earstem 112. However, inother embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, the rail 118 is spacedan offset distance 126 from the longitudinal axis of the earstem 112.

The orbitals 108 of the support 102 can be integrally formed with theframe 106, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, in other embodiments,the orbitals 108 are hingably connected to the frame 106 such asillustrated in FIG. 2A. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, an orbital hinge128 couples the orbital 108 with the frame 106. By hingably coupling theorbital 108 to the frame 106, the lenses 110 may be rotated about ahinge axis and moved out of the wearer's line of sight when desired. Forexample, if lenses 110 include sunglass lenses then orbital hinge 128allows the wearer of the support assembly 100 to lift the lenses 110 outof the field of view when the wearer moves indoors without removing thesupport assembly 100 from his head. In any of the embodiments herein,the lenses may be supported in a “rimless” design as is understood inthe art, in which the lens is attached to the frame or other adjacentcomponents without the use of an orbital.

Another embodiment of a support assembly 100 is illustrated in FIG. 3.In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the rail 118 has anon-round cross-sectional shape to prevent undesired rotation of thedetachable module 104 about the rail 118 longitudinal axis 130. The rail118 cross-sectional shape may be any of a variety of shapes, includingnoncircular shapes to prevent undesired rotation. For example, in oneembodiment, the rail 118 cross-sectional shape is oval, elliptical,square, triangular, or any other noncircular shape. In one embodiment,the rail 118 includes an edge extending along a portion of itslongitudinal axis 130, which prevents rotation of the detachable module104 about the rail 118. The module clamp may be provided withcomplementary clamping surfaces, for conforming to the cross sectionalconfiguration of the rail to permit axial (anterior-posterior)adjustability while resisting or preventing rotation about the axis ofthe rail.

In addition, any of a variety of anti-rotational structures may beprovided with, or coupled to the rail 118 and the detachable module 104.For example, the anti-rotational structure can include a high frictionsurface to provide a friction fit, a locking arrangement, a pin, or anyother structure known to those of skill in the art. In otherembodiments, the rail 118 has a substantially circular cross-sectionalshape and the detachable module 104 includes a suitable structure forpreventing rotation of the detachable module 104 about the rail 118longitudinal axis 130. For example, the detachable module 104 caninclude a friction mount, a rubber or elastomeric polymer pad, or otherlocking mechanism to prevent rotation about the rail 118.

The anterior stop 122 and posterior stop 124 define an adjustment length132 over which the detachable module 104 may be repositioned withrespect to the frame 106. In one embodiment, the adjustment length 132is at least about one half inch, often at least about an inch, sometimesat least about two inches, and other times at least three inches ormore. The adjustment length 132 defines a range of travel 134 of thedetachable module 104 and other components coupled thereto (such as aspeaker), as described in greater detail below.

The rail 118 can be located at any of a variety of locations withrespect to the frame 106. In general, the rail 118 is located in theanterior two-thirds of the earstem 112. Alternatively, the rail 118 isin the anterior half of the earstem 112.

One embodiment of a detachable module 104 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-11.The detachable module 104 includes a housing 140 and a coupling 142. Thecoupling 142 allows the detachable module 104 to be removably connectedto the earstem 112 of support 102 of the support assembly 100. Coupling142 also provides adjustability of the position and angular orientationof the detachable module 104 with respect to the support 102.

The detachable module 104 also includes at least one speaker 144. Theillustrated speaker 144 is adjustably carried by the detachable module104 may with an arm 146. The detachable module 104 may also include aport cover 148 to cover a data port as will be described in greaterdetail below.

When the support assembly 100 is worn on the wearer's head, the positionof the detachable module 104 with respect to the support 102 may beadjusted so that the speaker 144 comfortably resides at least partiallyover the wearer's ear. Additional details regarding the adjustability ofthe speaker 144 with respect to the detachable module 104 and thesupport 102 will be described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 18 and FIGS. 19-22. In addition, further multiaxial adjustabilitystructures are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,367,filed Dec. 22, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/993,217,filed Nov. 19, 2004, the disclosure of which are incorporated in theirentireties herein by reference.

In one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5, a speaker 144 iscoupled to an arm 146 at a speaker pivot 150. The speaker pivot allowsadjustment of the position of the speaker 150 with respect to the arm146. The arm 146 is coupled to the housing 140 of the detachable module104 at an arm pivot 152.

Arm pivot 152 is any of a variety of mechanical structures able to allowone member to adjust in at least its angular orientation in at least onedimension with respect to another. For example, as illustrated in FIG.8, the arm pivot 152 allows inferior and superior movement of the distalend 154 of the arm 144, thereby adjusting a first arm angle 156. Thefirst arm angle 156 is generally in the range of from about 3° to 45°,often from about 5° to 25°, sometimes about 10° to 25°, and in someembodiments, greater than at least 10°.

In addition, the distal end 154 of the arm 146 can be moved in a lateraldirection, thereby adjusting second arm angle 158, as best seen in theview of FIG. 4. The second arm angle 158 is generally in the range ofabout 2° to 25°, often about 5° to 15°, and in some embodiments, about10°.

In addition, the arm pivot 152 provides rotational movement of arm 146with respect to the housing 140 of the distal module 104. For example,in one embodiment, arm pivot 152 allows arm 146 to be rotated at least180° about the housing axis 160, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

The speaker pivot 150 provides similar adjustability of the speaker 144with respect to the arm 146. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, thespeaker pivot 150 allows movement of the speaker 144 to a desired firstspeaker angle 162. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a secondspeaker angle 164 may also be selected by rotating the speaker 144 aboutthe speaker pivot 150.

Adjustability of the detachable module 104 with respect to the support102, adjustability of the arm 146 with respect to the housing 140, andadjustability of the speaker 144 with respect to the arm 146 allow fulladjustability and positioning of the position of the speaker 144 withrespect to a user's ear when the support assembly 100 is worn by a user.In addition, the adjustability provides improved comfort for the wearer.

An exploded view of one implementation of detachable module 104 isillustrated in FIG. 12. The detachable module 104 includes a housing140, which includes a first body portion 166 and a second body portion168. The housing 140 is formed by attaching the first body portion 166to the second body portion 168 along a part line, to provide aprotective outer wall which defines at least one interior cavity forhousing electronics. At least partially inside of the housing 140 are apower module 170, an electronics module 172, a data port 174 and aholder 176 that supports a microphone 178. The body portions 166, 168may be made from any of a variety of materials, including plastic ormetal. Alternatively, the module 104 can be formed entirely or partiallyby insert molding or co-molding processes to produce embeddedelectronics in a unitary or monolithic module.

The power supply 170 is any of a variety of power structures able topower a detachable module 104. For example, power module 170 may includea battery, a capacitor, or other power supply.

The electronics module 172 includes electronics for receiving signalsfrom an external source and providing audio signals to the wearerthrough the speaker 144, such as for receiving audio, audio-video orvideo only signals. As discussed further below, the audio-video or videoonly signals can be used to drive a video display and opticalcomponents, which can include a display such as one of the variety ofdevices discussed below. In addition, the electronics module 172 mayalso allow signals received by the electronics module 172 through themicrophone 178 to be transmitted to an external receiver. For example,in one embodiment, electronics module 172 includes a Bluetoothtransceiver.

Data port 174 is any port for coupling the detachable module 104 to anexternal source through a wired or wireless connection. For example, inone embodiment, data port 174 is a mini-USB port, a USB port, a firewire port, an IEEE 1394 connection port, or any other data port. Aholder 176 can be provided to secure the microphone 178 in place. In oneembodiment, the holder 176 includes a grommet, such as any of thoseknown to those of skill in the art. In addition, the holder 176 can alsoinclude a windscreen to filter wind noise from being received by themicrophone 178.

Any of a variety of couplings can be utilized with the module 104 of thepresent invention, for releasably or permanently attaching the module104 to an eyeglass frame or other support. In many application,releasable connection is preferred. The coupling may be an integralcomponent of the module 104, or may be attached to the module 104. Ingeneral, the coupling will include at least a first coupling surface forcontacting a first surface on the rail or other support from which thecoupling will depend, and a second coupling surface for contacting asecond surface on the support. The first and second coupling surfacesare generally moveable with respect to each other, such as to permitpositioning the coupling over or around the structure to which it is tobe attached, and then tightened to the structure by bringing the firstand second coupling surfaces towards each other.

The configuration of the first and second coupling surfaces, or third orfourth or more, depending upon the design, can be provided with any of avariety of configurations. Normally, the coupling surfaces will beconfigured in a manner that cooperates with the complementary shape ofthe rail, earstem, or other component to which they are to be attached.

In an embodiment of the present inventions in which the module 104 maypreferably be attached at the user's choice to either a left earstem ora right earstem of an eyeglass, the coupling is preferably pivotably orotherwise moveably connected to the module 104, to permit shiftingbetween a “right hand” and “left hand” coupling configuration. Certainspecific examples will be given below. Alternatively, in certainembodiments of the invention, a left hand module and a right hand modulewill be sold as a system, such as for receipt of stereo signals formusic, audio/visual sound tracking, or for use in a dual mono systemsuch as cell phone. In this application, the coupling may be permanentlymounted to the housing 104, in an immovable fashion, with a first module104 adapted for coupling to left earstem and a second module 104 adaptedfor coupling to a right earstem. Certain specific embodiments of thecoupling systems will be described below.

A coupling 142 in accordance with the present inventions is illustratedin FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling 142 includes anupper portion 180, a lower portion 182, and a pin 184. The pin 184hingably connects the upper portion 180 with the lower portion 182. Amount 186 attached to or integrally formed with the lower portion 182provides an attachment mechanism between the coupling 142 and thehousing 140 of the distal module 104. The mount 186 also providesangular adjustability of the housing 140 with respect to the coupling142. Additional details regarding angular adjustability in this regardwill be discussed in greater detail below.

The coupling 142 can include any of a variety of locking mechanisms 188to allow opening and closing of the coupling 142. The upper portion 180is movable with respect to the lower portion 182 when the lockingmechanism 188 is released. Such moveability of the upper and lowerportions 180, 182 allow the coupling 142 to at least partially surroundand enclose a portion of a rail (not shown), such as rail 118 describedabove.

In addition, the locking mechanism 188 can be released to remove thecoupling 142 from the rail. In other embodiments, locking mechanism 188loosens the grip of the coupling 142 on the rail so that the detachablemodule 104 can be slid along the rail, as described in greater detailabove.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 188 has two states: a lockstate and an open state. In the lock state, the coupling 142 may not beinadvertently moved along the rail under normal use conditions. In theopen state, the coupling 142 may be moved along or removed from therail.

In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 188 has three states: alock state, an open state, and an adjust state. The lock and open statesare the same as described above. The adjust state allows the coupling142 to be moved or slid along the rail but does not allow the coupling142 to be removed from the rail. Another embodiment of a coupling 142shown in an open state is illustrated in FIG. 14.

An exploded view of a speaker support arm 146 is illustrated in FIG. 15.A bellow 190 is provided over a grill 192, which at least partiallycovers speaker 144 over its sound output surface 194. A vent screen 196resides between the speaker 144 and a bud 198. The speaker pivot 150 isformed by two laterally flexible tangs 151 that extend into and providea rotatable snap fit within the orifice 163 of a boom 165. A cap 167covers the tangs 151 of the speaker pivot 150. A cover 161 is placedbetween the bud 198 and the boom 165 to cover at least one surface ofthe boom 165, and enclose wires leading to the speaker 144.

A hub 169 extends through a ring 171 and through the boom 165 where itis pivotably coupled to the mating portion 173 of a base 175. A pin 177removably and hingably couples the mating portion 173 to the hub 169 andtherefore the boom 165. The arm pivot 152 is provided by the coupling ofthe base 175 and hub 169.

As discussed previously in connection with FIG. 4, the speaker and boomassembly may also be rotatably connected to the housing 104 about anaxis 160, which extends in the illustrated embodiment in theanterior/posterior direction. This rotation may be accomplished by theprovision of one or more arcuate slots 179, illustrated in FIG. 15, forreceiving a pin or other complementary structure on the module 104, topermit rotation through a controlled range of motion as will be apparentto those of skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

In one embodiment, the speaker 144 is a rip curl speaker. In anotherembodiment, the speaker 144 has an outside diameter of no more than 9mm, no more than about 11 mm, or about 13 mm or more.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the power module 170 can include a battery,such as an ATL501230 battery, as is well known to those of skill in theart. The power module 170 can be coupled to the electronics module 172with an adhesive 181. The electronics module 172 can be coupled to microswitches 183 which are accessed by the user by pressing buttons 185. Inone embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes three switches.

The switches can include any of a variety of switches known to those ofskill in the art, including micro switches, snap switches, and domeswitches. In one embodiment, the switches 183 are snap dome F06180switches. The detachable module 104 can have three switches 183,although any number of switches 183 can be used. An LED 187 providesstatus indication to the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the microphone grommet 176 of thedetachable module 104 can be made from any of a variety of materialswell known to those of skill in the art, including: PTFE, polyethylene,polyurethane, or TPE. In addition, the grommet 176 can have a hardnessor stiffness of about 20 to 30 durometers, about 40 to 50 durometers,about 60 durometers, or about 70 durometers.

A windscreen can be provided with the grommet 176 to reduce noise. Forexample, in one embodiment, the windscreen is a Saatifil screen. Themicrophone 178 can be any of a variety of microphones known to those ofskill in the art, including a star microphone, such as microphone PartNo. MAA-03A-L60.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, and as discussed above, speaker andarm pivots 150, 152 allow movement of the speaker 144 and arm 146 withrespect to the detachable module 104 housing 140. In one embodiment, thefirst speaker angle 162 over which the speaker 144 may be moved, is upto about 100 degrees. In another embodiment, the first speaker angle 162is about ±45 degrees with respect to the arm axis 230. In anotherembodiment, the first speaker angle 162 is at least about ±5 degrees,sometimes at least about ±20 degrees, and sometimes at least about ±45degrees.

In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 can be adjusted so that thespeaker, arm, and housing 140 are aligned along the housing axis 160 asillustrated in FIG. 20.

Referring now to FIG. 21, movement of the coupling 142 with respect tothe rail 118 over an adjustment length 132 results in a correspondingtranslation of the detachable module 104 with respect to the support102. In addition, movement of the coupling 142 over the rail 118 overthe adjustment length 132 or a portion thereof will result in a relatedmovement of speaker 144 with respect to the support 102 and with respectto the wearer's ears. Although FIGS. 21 and 22 show movement of thedetachable module 104 over the entire adjustment length 132, in otherembodiments, coupling 142 is used to move detachable module 104 only aportion of the full adjustment length 132.

In one embodiment, the coupling 142 is released from the rail or othersupport by rotating the coupling 142 with respect to the housing 140. Inone embodiment, the housing 140 is rotated at least about 45 degrees andpreferably about 90 degrees to release the coupling 142. By releasingthe coupling 142 as illustrated in FIG. 23, the detachable module 104may be removed from the support 102. It may be desirable to remove thedetachable module 104 from the support 102 to either change thedetachable module 104 with another component, such as another detachablemodule that provides different functionality, or to mount the detachablemodule 104 on the opposite earstem 112 of the support 102.

To move the detachable module 104 from one earstem 112 of the support102 to the opposite earstem 112, the coupling 142 is released, asillustrated in FIG. 24. The arm 146 is then rotated about the housingaxis 160. In addition, the speaker 144 is rotated about the arm axis 230as well. In addition, the coupling 142 can be rotated about a couplingaxis 232 as well. Additional details regarding the lead positioning ofthe detachable module 104 from a right earstem 112 to a left earstem 112are illustrated in FIGS. 25-28.

In FIG. 25 a detachable module 104 is shown coupled to the right earstem112 of a support 102. The coupling 142 is in its closed position tosecure the detachable module 104 to the earstem 112. In FIG. 26 thedetachable module 104 has been rotated with respect to the earstem 112to release the coupling 142. The coupling 142 is shown in its openposition such that the detachable module 104 can be removed from theearstem 112. The detachable module 104 is then positioned with respectto the left earstem 112, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The speaker 144 hasbeen rotated about the arm axis 230 so that its acoustical output willbe directed towards the wearer's ear. Finally, as shown in FIG. 28, thecoupling 142 is pinched closed to lock the detachable module 104 to theleft earstem 112 of the support 102.

One method 300 of moving a detachable module from one earstem to theother is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29.

At block 302, the coupler of the detachable module is opened. At block304, the detachable housing removed from the rail of the earstem. Atblock 306, the housing is rotated with respect to the coupler to put thehousing and coupler in position for mounting the detachable housing tothe opposite earstem. At block 308, the arm is rotated about 180 degreesabout the housing axis. At block 310, the speaker is rotated withrespect to the arm axis. At block 312, the coupler is placed over theopposite earstem. At block 314, the arm angles, speaker angles, anddetachable housing position on the rail are adjusted to comfortablyposition the speaker at least partially over the ear. At block 316, thecoupler is locked onto the opposite earstem rail.

Another embodiment of a detachable module 200 is illustrated in FIG. 30.The detachable module 200 includes a coupling 202 and a housing 204. Thecoupling 202 includes a clamp assembly 206 that is coupled to a slide208 with a pin 210. The pin 210 has a longitudinal axis 211 about whichthe slide 208 may be rotated with respect to the clamp assembly 206. Thedetachable module 200 often also includes an articulating arm or a boomto which an audio input or output device is attached. For example, insome embodiments, the detachable module includes an articulating arm anda speaker, such as the articulating arm described below with respect toFIGS. 39A-41C.

The clamp assembly 206 includes an inside grip 212, an outside grip 214,a resilient, conformable gripping pad 216 (such as best seen in FIG.31), a spring 218, and a release 220. The release 220 can be any of avariety of structures to open the clamp assembly 206, including abutton, lever, switch, tab, or knob. The clamp assembly 206 allows thedetachable module 200 to be removably connected to any of a variety ofstructures, including the frame of a pair of eyeglasses. Many eyeglassframes have irregular, uneven, or non-uniform earstems, which makes itdifficult to attach components to the eyeglasses. However, a universalclamp, such as the clamp assembly 206, allows the detachable module 200to be removably connected to any of a variety of eyeglass framestructures, including those having irregular, uneven, and/or non-uniformearstems. Additional details regarding the coupling between the clampassembly 206 of the detachable module 200 and an eyeglass frame areprovided herein.

An exploded view of one embodiment of a clamp assembly 206 isillustrated in FIG. 32. The inside and outside grips 212, 214 of theclamp assembly 206 matingly engage each other over a clamp post 221. Theclamp post 221 can include any of a variety of structures well known tothose of skill in the art, including a Mattel pin. A spring 218surrounds the clamp post 221. A release 220 is attached to the end ofthe clamp post 221 using any of a variety of methods, includingpressing, gluing, welding, pinning, or screwing the release 220 to theclamp post 221. The release 220 prevents removal from the spring 218from the clamp post 221 and allows the inside and outside grips 212, 214to be separated apart from one another in order to release thedetachable module 200 from the device to which it is attached, such asan eyeglass frame.

A coupling assembly 202 is formed by attaching the clamp assembly 206 toa slide 208, as illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B. The slide 208 caninclude a male member, such as a rail 222, or a female member, such as atrack 224, as seen in FIGS. 33A and 33B, respectively. The slide 208matingly engages a corresponding mating surface 226 on the housing 204of the detachable module 200. For example, when a male slide 208, suchas illustrated in FIG. 33A is selected, the mating surface 226 of thehousing 204 can be a track 228, such as illustrated in FIG. 34A.Similarly, when a female slide 208 is selected, such as illustrated inFIG. 33B, the corresponding mating surface 226 of the housing 204 can bea rail 230, such as illustrated in FIG. 34B.

The detachable module 200 can be attached to a support 232 asillustrated in FIG. 35. The support 232 can be any of a variety ofwearable items, including a pair of eyeglasses, a hat, belt, skigoggles, etc. The coupling 202 is released by pressing on the release220, which causes the inside grip 212 and outside grip 214 to separateand move apart from one another. When the inside and outside grips 212,214 are separated, the coupling 202 can be positioned over the earstem234 of a support 232. By squeezing the inside and outside grips 212, 214together, the detachable module 200 can be secured to the earstem 234 ofthe support 232 as illustrated in FIG. 47. The coupling 202 can besecured to the support 232 in any of a variety of locations as desiredby the wearer.

The configuration of the gripping pad 216 can facilitate connectivitybetween the detachable module 200 and any of a variety of surfaces orshapes of the support earstem 234. For example, the gripping pad 216 canbe made from any of a variety of elastomeric materials, including foams,plastics, or any compliant material that can conform to the shape of theearstem 234 when the coupling 202 is attached thereto. In addition, thegripping pad 216 can have any of a variety of surface shapes andtextures, including a flat surface, a wavy surface, a rippled surface, acontoured surface, etc. Gripping pads 216 having a contoured surface areillustrated in FIG. 31. In addition, the thickness of the gripping pad216 can be selected to facilitate connectivity between the coupling 202and the support 232. In one embodiment, the gripping pad 216 thicknessis in the range of about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, about 1 mm to 3 mm, or about 3mm thick.

An overmold may be provided on the mating surface 226 of the housing 204to provide additional friction between the housing 204 and slide 208.Additional friction may be desired to prevent accidental or undesiredmovement of the housing 204 with respect to the slide 208. In addition,the mating surface 226 of the housing 204 can include a detent whichprevents the slide 208 of the coupling 202 from unintentionally slidingoff of or detaching from the housing 204.

The coupling 202 of the detachable module 200 allows the detachablemodule 200 to be attached to any of a variety of locations on an eyewearon a support 232 frame. For example, in some embodiments, the support232 includes a pair of eyeglasses having earstems 234 of a non-uniformshape. One example of such earstem 234 is illustrated in FIGS. 36A and36B.

This ability to move to a variety of positions can allow the detachablemodule 200 to be adjusted or moved to a desired position in order tomaximize the effectiveness of the heads-up display components, asdiscussed below.

The detachable module 200 can be moved in anterior and posteriordirections with respect to the earstem 234 once the detachable module200 is attached to the earstem 234. FIG. 36A shows the detachable module200 moved in an anterior direction and FIG. 36B shows the detachablemodule 200 moved in a posterior direction. The anterior-posterior traveldistance over which the detachable module 200 can be moved with respectto the earstem 234 can be defined by the length of the mating surface226 of the housing 204 and the length of the slide 208 of the coupling202. The travel distance is at least about 0.25 inches, generally atleast about 0.75 inches and often at least about 1 inch or 1.5 inches ormore. This travel distance, or adjustment length, can be selected toprovide adjustability of the detachable module 200, not only withrespect to the earstem 234, but also with respect to the wearer's ear.An articulating arm, or speaker boom (not shown), is often attached tothe detachable module 200 and can include any of a variety of speakermounts such as though described above or below.

The angular orientation of the detachable module 200 with respect to theearstem 234 may be adjusted as well. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 37A and 37B, the axial angle 236 formed between the earstemlongitudinal axis 238 and the detachable module longitudinal axis 240may be selected by adjusting the angular orientation of the coupling 202with respect to the earstem 234 during attachment.

In addition, a tilt angle 242 in the medial-lateral direction can beselected by rotating the housing 204 of the detachable module 200 aboutan axis such as pin 210. The tilt angle 242, as illustrated in FIGS.38A-38C, can be at least about plus ±5°, at least about ±10° to 20°, orgreater.

In many embodiments, the detachable housing has an articulating arm 244such as illustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B. The articulating arm 244provides an extension from the detachable housing onto which anelectrical component, such as a speaker, may be mounted. For example,the articulating arm 244 can include a first segment 246, a secondsegment 248, and a third segment 250 that are connected to each other byany of a variety of couplings well known to those of skill in the art.For example, the coupling can be a ball 252 and socket 254 assembly,such as illustrated in FIG. 39B.

The first segment 246 is connected to a housing, such as any of thedetachable housings described above, and the second segment 248. Thesecond segment 248 is connected to the first and third segments 246,250. The third segment 250 is connected at one end to the second segment248 and at the other end to a speaker (not shown). A conductor orconductor pair (also not shown) extends from the speaker to thedetachable housing.

Although the present embodiment describes an articulating arm 244coupled to a detachable housing, it should be well understood by thoseof skill in the art that the articulating arm 244 may instead beattached directly to the earstem of a support, such as a pair ofeyeglasses, a helmet, goggle straps or others. In such cases, electronicdevices, such as MP3 players, cell phones, wireless transceivers, etc.can be embedded or mounted inside of the eyeglass frame instead of beingcarried by the detachable housing.

A side view of one embodiment of an articulating arm 244 is illustratedin FIG. 40. FIG. 40 illustrates one orientation of the various segments246, 248, 250 of the articulating arm 244 with respect to the housing204 of a detachable module 200. Although the articulating arm 244 isshown coupled to the housing 204 of a detachable module 200, thearticulating arm 244 may alternatively be coupled directly to theearstem of a pair of eyeglasses, as discussed above.

Each of the first, second and third segments 246, 248, 250 have alongitudinal axis parallel to a reference axis x, x′, x″. Each of thereference axes x, x′, x″ defines one of three dimensions of a referencesystem for describing the orientation of the particular segment 246,248, 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the x reference axis isparallel to the longitudinal axis of the first segment 246 and is alsoperpendicular to a z axis which can define the longitudinal axis of thehousing 204 of the detachable module 200. A third axis y isperpendicular to both the x and z axes.

A second reference system includes an x′ axis that is parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the second segment 248 and which can be tangentialto an outside surface of the second segment 248. Similarly, y′ and z′reference axes are perpendicular to each other and the x′ axis and areparallel to the y and y″ axes when the x′ axis is oriented parallel tothe x axis.

In addition, an x″ reference axis extends parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the third segment 250 and is generally tangential to an exterioror an outside surface of the third segment 250. Similarly, y″ and z″reference axes are perpendicular to each other and to the x″ axis aswell. Like the reference systems described above, the y″ axis isparallel to both the y and y′ axes when the x″ axis is oriented suchthat it is parallel to both the x and x′ axes. Similarly, the z″ axis isparallel to both the z and z′ axes when the x″ axis is oriented parallelto both the x and x′ axes. This linear orientation of the articulatingarm 244 is illustrated in FIG. 40 where all three reference axes, x, x′,x″, are oriented parallel to each other.

The articulating arm 244 can be manipulated in a variety of planes andmoved and rotated in a variety of manners to change the distance andangular orientation between the housing 204 of the detachable module 200and a speaker attached to the third segment 250 of the articulating arm244. For example, in one embodiment, the first segment 246 of thearticulating arm 244 can rotate freely about the y axis in the xz planeand is limited in its movement only by contact with the housing 204 ofthe detachable module 200 or by contact with the support 232 (notshown). The first segment 246 can generally rotate about 340°, about300° to 350°, or at least 325° about the y axis. The second segment 248can rotate about the y′ axis freely, also generally limited only bycontact with the housing 204 of the detachable module 200 or by contactwith the support. In addition, the second segment 248 can tilt withrespect to the x′z′ plane. For example, in one embodiment, the secondsegment 248 can tilt +15°/−0° with respect to the x′z′ plane. In otherembodiments, the second segment 248 can tilt at least about ±5°, orabout ±10° with respect to the x′z′ plane.

The third segment 250 can rotate about the y″ axis and is generallylimited by the design of the ball 252 and socket 254 joint between thesecond and third segments 248, 250. In one embodiment, the third segment250 can rotate about ±85° about the y″ axis. In addition, the thirdsegment 250 can tilt with respect to the x′z′ plane. For example, in oneembodiment, the third segment 250 tilts about +0°/−15°, about ±5°, orabout ±10° with respect to the x″z″ plane.

By selecting different angular orientations between the varioussegments, the angular orientation between the speaker 256 mounted on thethird segment 250 of the articulating arm 244 with respect to thehousing 204 of the detachable module 200 can be adjusted as well.Examples of such adjustments are illustrated in FIGS. 41A-41C. In FIG.41A, the second segment 248 is tilted to an angle 151 which is itsmaximum positive angle with respect to the xz plane, and the thirdsegment 250 is not tilted with respect to the x′z′ plane. In such case,the tilt angle between the speaker 256 and the housing 204 is the sameas the maximum positive tilt angle 153 of the second segment 248.

In FIG. 41B, the second segment 248 is not tilted, but the third segment250 is tilted to an angle 153, which is the maximum negative angle withrespect to the xz plane. In such case, the tilt angle 153 between thespeaker 256 and the housing 204 is equal to the maximum negative tiltangle of the third segment 250.

Finally, in FIG. 41C, the second segment 248 is tilted to its maximumpositive angle and the third segment 250 is tilted to its maximumnegative angle with respect to the xz plane. In such case, the angletilt will be equal to the difference between the max tilt angle of thesecond segment 248 and the maximum negative angle of the third segment250. When the maximum positive tilt angle of the second segment 248 isequal to the maximum negative angle of the third segment 250, thespeaker 256 will generally be oriented about parallel to the xz plane.

FIG. 42 shows a support assembly 300 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The support assembly is generally any deviceable to be worn by a user that can carry one or more electroniccomponents thereon. For example, the support assembly 300 can include anarticle of clothing, such as a hat, a shirt, a belt, jacket, helmet or apair of eyewear such as goggles or eyeglasses.

The support assembly 300 generally includes a support 302, a firstdetachable module 304, and a second detachable module 306. The first andsecond detachable modules 304, 306 communicate with each other via acommunication link 308. The detachable modules 304, 306 can be any ofthe detachable modules described herein. For example, the detachablemodules 304, 306 can be a housing including electronics for an MP3player, an audio storage device, a streaming audio signal receiver, acellular telephone, a Bluetooth transceiver, or any other electricaldevice for providing audio or video input or output.

The support 302 is any structure able to be worn by the user such as,for example, a pair of eyeglasses. The communication link 308 is anywired or wireless link able to provide communication between two or moreelectrical components. For example, the communication link 308 can be awired link, such as a flexible wire or a preformed wire, which may bepermanently connected or unplugable at one or both of its ends. When thecommunication link 308 is a wire link, it may be unplugable at its endsso that it may be detached from each of the detachable modules 304, 306.The communication link 308 can be provided at any location with respectto the support 302. For example, the communication link 308 can includea wire or conductor located within and/or coupled to the support. Forexample, the communication link 308 can be a wire that hangs off theback of the support 302.

FIG. 43 illustrates one specific embodiment of the support assembly 300.In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 300 includes a pairof eyeglasses as the support 302. First and second detachable modules304, 306 are attached to each of the first and second earstems 310,respectively, of the support 302. The detachable modules 304, 306 arecoupled to each other with a wired communication link 308 that in theillustrated embodiment runs along the frame of the support 302. In oneembodiment, the communication link 308 spans or traverses a nose bridgeformed between the orbitals of the support 302.

The detachable modules 304, 306, as described herein, can include any ofa variety of electrical components. In some embodiments, the detachablemodules 304, 306 include different components. For example, in oneembodiment, the first detachable module 304 carries a cellulartelephone, and the second detachable module carries an MP3 player.Alternatively, the first detachable module 304 can include an RF (e.g.,Bluetooth) transceiver adapted to communicate with another Bluetoothdevice, such as a Bluetooth-enabled telephone, and the second detachablemodule 306 can include an MP3 player or any other audio or video inputor output device. In yet another embodiment, both the first and seconddetachable modules 304, 306 include Bluetooth transceivers and/or bothinclude cellular telephones. It will be apparent to those of skill inthe art that the support assembly 300 can therefore provide either dualmono or stereo audio for devices, such as telephones, that havehistorically provided only single-channel audio signals.

Although the support assemblies 300 are shown in FIG. 43 as havingdetachable modules 304, 306, in other embodiments, the electroniccircuitry of the detachable modules 304, 306 is mounted inside of thesupport 302 itself. For example, in some embodiments, the electronicdevices are mounted inside of the support 302 and the articulated armdescribed and an articulated arm that is coupled to a speaker is mountedto the support 302 as well. In other embodiments, the electroniccomponents are mounted inside of the articulated arm itself and notinside the articulated arm. In other embodiments, the electroniccomponents are provided inside of the arm and the arm is removablyattached to the frame or is removably attached to the support 302.Finally, in yet other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 43, the electronic components are provided inside of removablemodules 304, 306 which are removably attached to the support 302. Insuch cases, the detachable modules 304, 306 also include articulatingarms, such as described herein. Examples of support assemblies havingelectronic circuitry mounted within the support itself are taught inU.S. application Ser. No. 10/993,217, filed Nov. 19, 2004 and U.S.application Ser. No. 11/022,367, filed Dec. 22, 2004, which areincorporated by reference herein.

The support assembly 300 can be configured such that the first andsecond detachable modules 304, 306 each individually communicate with acellular telephone. For example, each of the first and second detachablemodules 304, 306 can each include a Bluetooth transceiver adapted tocommunicate via the Bluetooth protocol with a cellular telephone, orwith more than one cellular telephone. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, the first detachable module 304 includes a wirelessBluetooth transceiver adapted to communicate with a cellular telephone,and the second detachable module 306 includes the mechanical andelectrical components for supporting and positioning and powering aspeaker that is in communication with the electronics of the firstdetachable module 304. In such case, communication from the cellulartelephone is received by the first detachable module 304 and audiosignals are provided to a user's first ear by a speaker coupled to thefirst detachable module 304 and audio signals from the cellulartelephone are provided to the wearer's second ear via a speaker coupledto the second detachable module 306 that is in communication with thefirst detachable module 304.

The support assembly 300 of the present inventions can include any of avariety of additional features for improving and enhancing usability bya wearer. For example, the support assembly 300 can include softwarethat provides the wearer with oral and/or visual popdown-type menus fornavigating through the multitude of commands that may be available. Forexample, by providing voice control over system functionality, the userneed not manipulate mechanical buttons, switches or controls on thesupport assembly 300 in order to select different support assemblycommunication, audio, video functions. Further, providing visual orvideo illustration of system commands and status can aid the wearer innavigating and operating the assembly.

In addition, the support assembly 300 can include noise cancellationhardware and/or software to reduce or eliminate noise provided to thewearer of the support assembly 300 during use and communication. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the support assembly 300 includes a boneconduction microphone to transfer audio information from the wearer.These features are well known to those of skill in the art.

As discussed above, the detachable module can house electronics such asthose for an MP3 player, an audio storage device, a streaming audiosignal receiver, a cellular telephone, a Bluetooth transceiver, or anyother electrical device for providing audio or video input or output,such as an audio recorder, a speaker, a camera, video recorder, videoplayer, and/or video display. These features can be integrated into theplayer individually or in combination or collectively to providemulti-function capability. Further, the module can provide wirelessconnectivity with one or more remote devices to stream data to or fromthe remote device(s).

In some embodiments, the module can comprise visual display and/oroptical components. These components can include a display such as aliquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a semiconductor device(LD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode(OLED), active OLED, AMOLED, super AMOLED, a projector, direct retinalprojection through virtual retinal display (VRD) or retinal scan display(RSD) using a retinal projector (RP), micro-electro-mechanical systemsdisplay, an electroluminescence (EL), a cathode ray tube (CRT), adigital micromirror device (DMD), prism(s), lens(es), fiber-optictransmission component(s), mirror(s), a holographic optical element(HOE), laser projection, 3D display components or circuitry, or anotheremissive, transmissive, or reflective display technology, or the like ispreferably used. The system can produce real or virtual images for userperception. Further, the system can provide augmented visuals of naturalobjects perceived by the user.

The viewing plane for the system can be on a lens of the eyewear(goggles or eyeglasses) or spaced from the lens (either in front orbehind the lens). The viewing plane can be real or virtual. Further, thesystem and/or eyewear can also comprise variable light attenuationfeatures (e.g. electronic variable light attenuation) in the lens(es) orotherwise to enhance video display perception. The viewing plane canincorporate one or more display and/or light attenuation components.

For example, various such video input and output devices, components,circuitry, methods, and structures are disclosed in the following U.S.Patent and Publication Nos. and can be incorporated into embodiments ofthe system disclosed herein: U.S. Publication No. 2005/0219152(disclosing a microdisplay with virtual image and an adjustable boom),U.S. Publication No. 2009/0015929 (disclosing a substrate guided relay),U.S. Publication No. 2010/0111472 (disclosing a substrate guided relay),U.S. Publication No. 2010/0053591 (disclosing image projectiontechnology), U.S. Publication No. 2009/0180195 (disclosing heads-updisplay and imaging systems), U.S. Publication No. 2011/0043644(disclosing devices and methods for providing localized imageenhancements in a heads-up display), U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,353 (disclosinga direct retinal projection heads-up display), U.S. Pat. No. 7,639,209(disclosing structures and methods related to retinal projection), U.S.Pat. No. 7,631,968 (disclosing devices for heads-up displays), U.S. Pat.No. 7,249,846 (disclosing a heads-up display device), U.S. Pat. No.7,192,137 (disclosing heads-up display devices), U.S. Pat. No. 7,158,096(disclosing heads-up display and transmission devices), U.S. Pat. No.7,023,621 (disclosing images superimposed on field of view), U.S. Pat.No. 5,369,415 (disclosing direct retinal projection), U.S. Pat. No.5,596,339 (disclosing retinal display using a fiber optic point source),the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-49, various eyewear are illustrated in whichembodiments of the system are utilized to provide a heads-up display.The above discussion of the interchangeability, articulation, andstructure(s) of above-noted embodiments of the module will not berepeated here for brevity, but further embodiments discussed in FIGS.44-49 will be understood to be capable of providing theinterchangeability, articulation, and structure(s) of those embodimentsdiscussed above. Thus, in some embodiments, a module having a mechanicalclamp can be provided with visual display capabilities. Further, in someembodiments the module can be adjustable in three dimensions (XYZadjustability) to adjust a position of a heads-up display device.Further, in any of the embodiments discussed herein, a heads-up displaycan comprise one or more display units or devices to provide visualinformation for one or both eyes of the wearer, whether the eyewearcomprises a unitary or dual lens system.

Further, the module can include one or more articulation mechanisms,such as an articulating arm, to allow adjustable positioning of a visualdisplay device and/or and earphone relative to the module. Thus, someembodiments of the modules can incorporate audio or video input oroutput devices that can be manually adjustable to allow the user fineadjustment to optimize the position of an audio or visual input oroutput of the module(s).

For example, in FIG. 44, an embodiment of a module 400 incorporating aheads-up display is shown. As with other embodiments discussed herein,the module 400 can incorporate onboard electronics that are configuredto drive a visual display 402 that can be coupled to the module 400. Themodule 400 can include memory and/or a transceiver configured to sendand receive data signals that can be used to provide a visual outputthrough the visual display 402. As discussed above, the module 400 canbe removably connected to eyewear, such as to an ear stem 404 of aneyeglass 406, as shown.

Further, the visual display 402 can be interconnected with the module400 with an articulating arm 410. The articulating arm 410 can compriseany of the structures or capabilities such as those discussed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,740,353, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference. As illustrated, the visual display 402 can provide or definea viewing surface or plane 412 at which an image can be displayed andspaced from the wearer's eye. The embodiment shown in FIG. 44illustrates that the viewing device 412 can be positioned anteriorlyrelative to a lens of the eyewear. In some embodiments, the viewingdevice 412 can be adjustable such that it can be spaced at least about 2inches and/or less than or equal to about 7 inches from the wearer'seye. Further, the viewing device 412 can be spaced at least about 3inches and/or less than or equal to about 5 inches from the wearer'seye. Further, the viewing device can be adjustable within a radius of atleast about 1 inch and/or less than or equal to about 4 inches from thewearer's straight ahead line of sight 418.

FIG. 45 illustrates another embodiment of a module 420 that is capableof providing a heads-up display for an eyeglass 422. Similar to themodule 400 discussed above in FIG. 44, the module 420 can provide avisual display 430 having or defining a viewing device 432 that can beinterconnected with the module 420 by an articulating arm 434. Thisembodiment illustrates that the viewing device 432 can be positionedposteriorly relative to a lens of the eyewear. As with the embodimentshown in FIG. 44, the viewing device 432 can also be adjusted within adesirable range per wearer specification.

In addition, the viewing devices 412, 432 can be configured as a displaysurface or as a beam projector for retinal projection. As noted above,the viewing devices 412, 432 can be adjusted relative to the eyewear inorder to allow a viewing plane to be provided in front of or behind alens of the eyewear. Further, the viewing devices 412, 432 can define areal or virtual viewing plane.

In addition, the articulating arms 410, 434, the visual displays 402,430, and/or components thereof can be configured to provide movementalong and/or rotation about all three dimensional axes. For example, thevisual displays 402, 430 can be configured to tilt (rotation about thex-axis), roll (rotation about the z-axis), or pivot (rotation about they-axis), as well as to move in the direction of any of the x, y, or zaxes. This movement can be accomplished through the use of, for example,ball and socket joints, pivot joints, bendable, moldable, or pliantmaterials, telescoping components, and the like. Further, thearticulating arms 410, 434, the visual displays 402, 430, and/orcomponents thereof can be configured to be constrained from movementalong and/or rotation about one or more of the three dimensional axes.In some embodiments, one or more degrees of movement can be restrainedwhile permitting movement in another degree(s) of movement.

FIG. 46 illustrates an embodiment of a module 440 that can be configuredto drive an optical device 442 that is positioned on, embedded within,or provided as a lens 444 of eyewear, such as an eyeglass 446. Thisembodiment illustrates that a viewing surface or plane can be positionedalong a surface of the lens of the eyewear.

The optical device 442 can comprise one or more visual display units.The visual display unit can comprise a thin display device, such as anOLED display or otherwise, which can provide a real or virtual image forthe wearer. The optical device 442 can also incorporate lightattenuation technology, such as electronic variable light attenuation.In some embodiments, the optical device 442 can be fitted onto a frontor rear surface of the lens 444 to provide a permanent or removableengagement with the lens 444. The optical device 442 can beinterconnected with the module 440 by a conduit 450. The conduit 450, aswith other conduits used for articulating arms of embodiments discussedabove, can comprise optical fiber(s) and/or data cable(s) and the liketo drive the optical device 442. The conduit 450 can be interconnectedwith the eyewear using a jack for transmitting data

FIG. 47 illustrates another embodiment of a module 460 in which themodule is used to drive one or more display devices 462. The module 460can be interconnected with the display device(s) 462 using a conduit470. As with other conduits discussed herein, the conduit 470 can beinterconnected with the eyewear using a jack for transmitting data.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 46, the display devices462 can be positioned on, embedded within, or provided as at least aportion of a lens 464, 466 of the eyewear. In this embodiment, thedisplay device 462 can comprise a projector operative to provide retinalprojection. With regard to the placement of the display device, forexample, the display device 462 can be positioned at any variety oflocations on the lens 464. In some embodiments, the display device 462can be positioned relative to the straight ahead line of sight within arange of acceptance. For example, the display device 462 can bepositioned at least about 0.25 inches and/or less than or equal to about2 inches from the point at which the wearer's straight ahead line ofsight passes through the lens 464. Further, the display device 462 canbe positioned along a lower half of the lens 464.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 46-47 also illustrate that aremovable module can be used with eyewear that is pre-fitted with visualdisplay equipment. For example, the lens(es) of the eyewear can beprovided with visual display device(s) that can provide a display forthe user by utilizing electronics, memory, power, and/or data from themodule.

Thus, in some embodiments, the module can be removed or mounted onto theeyewear such that the wearer can enjoy the benefit of certain audioand/or visual functions, data, and/or interactive capabilities.Embodiments can be provided in which a plurality of modules can beinterchanged with eyewear in order to manipulate or change thefunctionality of the eyewear. For example, some modules can be preloadedto support gaming activities, such as by allowing the eyewear to accessand/or play video, memory, and/or wireless connectivity with otherdevices. Further, some modules can be configured to receiveinterchangeable memory cards, such as SD cards and the like, which canallow the module to access different programs or memory, as understoodby those of skill in the art.

FIG. 48 illustrates another embodiment of a module 480 in which themodule comprises an electronic interconnection device 482. In thisembodiment, a clip 484 of the module 480 can be used to not only mountthe module 480 onto the eyewear, but can also electronically couple themodule 480 with the eyewear. For example, and the ear stem 490 of theeyewear can comprise one or more connection points 492 which extendpartially or across the entire length of the ear stem. The electronicinterconnection device 482 can be electronically coupled with theconnection point 492 when the clip 484 is moved to a closed position inwhich the module 480 is mounted onto the ear stem 490. Such anembodiment can minimize the presence of conduit or wiring visible on theeyewear. Further, conduit or wiring can be provided that extendsintermediate the connection point 492 and one or more display devices ofthe lens(es).

Some embodiments of the module disclosed herein can also provide imagestabilization. The module can comprise an accelerometer deviceconfigured to detect movement of the eyeglass. In response to an outputof the accelerometer, the module can correspondingly adjust theplacement or location of an image or visual produced for the wearer. Ingeneral, bouncing or shaking of eyewear is not detected wearers whenused in vigorous activities because the lens(es) is transparent andmovement of the lens relative to the eye is generally imperceptible.However, wearers using an embodiment of the module providing a visualdisplay could see a shaky display during in a vigorous activity. Thus,some embodiments disclosed herein enable the module to account forshaking or vibration of the eyeglass to ensure that the image or visualdisplay is generally stabilized relative to the straight ahead line ofsight of the wearer. Thus, the wearer may detect very little movement ofthe image or visual display even though the eyeglass is shaking orvibrating during use. Further, the image stabilization can be utilizedfor displaying or recording an image using the display device(s) orimage recording device(s). Various methods and apparatus is have beendisclosed for providing optical and/or mechanical image stabilization,such as U.S. Publication Nos. 2011/0013283, 2010/0118402, 2009/0213236,2009/0128700, 2009/0040361, 2008/0246694, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,893,965,and 7,856,173, the entireties of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

In some embodiments, the module can comprise one or more hardware and/orsoftware components for managing which of a plurality of data sources isconnected to the wearable device. In some embodiments, one or moreaudiovisual data sources can provide audio input through a speaker, andvideo input through either opaque or see through heads-up displaytechnology which can be incorporated into eyeglasses, helmets or otherheadwear.

A variety of other data sources are known, which require some form ofaudio or video input to a user, such as display screens on personaldigital assistants, Blackberry® type communication devices, and others.

Each of the foregoing devices require an interface for providing audioor visual data to the user, and, where relevant, for receiving audioinformation from the user for inputting into the device. At the presenttime, the use of multiple data sources requires the user to switchbetween any of a variety of user interfaces, in accordance with theparticular device sought to be used at a particular time.

There remains a need for better management of input signals frommultiple data sources, which will allow the user to more convenientlyselect input from any of a variety of sources.

In accordance with a further aspect of some embodiments, there isprovided a wearable electronically enabled interface system, forproviding audio and or video input to the wearer from at least twosources. The system comprises a wearable support, for carrying at leasta portion of the interface. At least one data port is carried by thesupport, for receiving data from at least a first and optionally asecond source. A selector is provided, enabling the wearer to directdata from a desired one of the first and second sources to theinterface.

The wearable support may comprise an eyeglass frame, a goggle frame, ahelmet, or other user-wearable support structure. The data port maycomprise a radiofrequency receiver or transceiver. The interface maycomprise at least one speaker, and, in certain implementations, theinterface comprises two speakers. The interface may additionallycomprise at least one microphone. The interface may further comprise avideo display. The selector may comprise a wearer activated control suchas a button, switch or voice activated electronic control.

A modification of an audio device 510 is illustrated in FIG. 49, andreferred to generally by the reference numeral 510A. Components of theaudio device 510A that are the same as the audio device 10 discussed inU.S. Application Publication No. 2006/0132382 (the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference) have been given the same referencenumeral, except that a letter “A” has been added thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment of the audio device 510A, the support 512Ais in the form of an eyeglass 540. The eyeglass 540 comprises a frame542 which supports left and right lenses 544, 546. Although the presentaudio device 510A will be described with reference to a dual lenseyeglass, it is to be understood that the methods and principlesdiscussed herein are readily applicable to the production of frames forunitary lens eyeglass systems and protective goggle systems as well.Further, the lenses 544, 546 can be completely omitted. Optionally, atleast one of the lenses 544, 546 can be in the form of a view finder ora video display unit configured to be viewable by a wearer of thesupport 512A.

An internal cavity 575, in the illustrated embodiment, is configured toreceive electronics such as a printed circuit board 576. In theillustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board 576 includes oneswitch for each of the buttons 573 c, 573 d, and 573 e. Additionally,the printed circuit board 576 can include an audio and/or video filestorage and playback device 577.

The device 577 [as shown in FIG. 50] can be configured to store andplayback any desired type of electronic audio and/or video file. In theillustrated embodiment, the device 577 includes a memory, an amplifier,and a processor. The memory, amplifier, and the processor are configuredto operate together to function as an audio storage and playback system.For example, the audio storage and playback system can be configured tostore MP3 files in a memory and to play back the MP3 files through thespeakers 514A′, 516A′. Suitable electronics for enabling and amplifyingMP3 storage and playback are well known in the art, and may becommercially available from Sigmatel, Inc. or Atmel, Inc. Thus, furtherdescription of the hardware and software for operating the device 286 asa storage and playback device is not necessary for one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the inventions disclosed herein.

Advantageously, the printed circuit board 576 also includes or is inelectrical communication with a data transfer port 578. In theillustrated embodiment, a housing 579 includes an aperture (not shown)disposed in a position similar to the position of the aperture 272 onthe housing 250 (as discussed in U.S. Application Publication No.2006/0132382, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference). In the housing 579, however, the aperture is aligned withthe data transfer port 578. Thus, when the printed circuit board 576 isreceived in the internal cavity 575, the data transfer port 578 can bealigned with the aperture.

As illustrated in FIG. 51, an audio device 510C can be worn on the head518 of a user U. Preferably, the audio device 510C is configured toprovide one or two-way wireless communication with a source device, orthe source device can be incorporated into the audio device 510C. Thesource device can be carried by the user U, mounted to a moveableobject, stationary, or part of a local area or personal area network.

The user U can carry a “body borne” source device B such as, forexample, but without limitation, a cellular phone, an MP3 player, a“two-way” radio, a palmtop computer, or a laptop computer. As such, theuser U can use the audio device 510C to receive and listen to audiosignals from the source device B, and/or transmit audio signals to thesource device B. Optionally, the audio device 510C can also beconfigured to transmit and receive data signals to and from the sourcedevice B, described in greater detail below.

Optionally, the device B can also be configured to communicate, via longor short range wireless networking protocols, with a remote source R.The remote source R can be, for example, but without limitation, acellular phone service provider, a satellite radio provider, or awireless internet service provider. For example, but without limitation,the source device B can be configured to communicate with other wirelessdata networks such as via, for example, but without limitation,long-range packet-switched network protocols including PCS, GSM, andGPRS. As such, the audio device 510C can be used as an audio interfacefor the source device B. For example, but without limitation, where thesource device B is a cellular phone, the user U can listen to the audiooutput of the cellular phone, such as the voice of a caller, throughsound transducers in the audio device 510C. Optionally, the user U cansend voice signals or commands to the cellular phone by speaking into amicrophone on the audio device 510C, described in greater detail below.Thus, the audio device 510C may advantageously be a receiver and/or atransmitter for telecommunications.

In general, the component configuration of FIG. 51 enables the audiodevice 510C to carry interface electronics with the user, such as audiooutput and audio input. However, the source electronics such as the MP3player, cellular phone, computer or the like may be off board, orlocated remotely from the audio device 510C. This enables the audiodevice 510C to accomplish complex electronic functions, while retaininga sleek, low weight configuration. Thus, the audio device 510C is incommunication with the off board source electronics device B. The offboard source device B may be located anywhere within the working rangeof the audio device 510C. In many applications, the source electronics Bwill be carried by the wearer, such as on a belt clip, pocket, purse,backpack, shoe, integrated with “smart” clothing, or the like. Thisaccomplishes the function of off loading the bulk and weight of thesource electronics from the headset.

The source electronics B may also be located within a short range of thewearer, such as within the room or same building. For example, personnelin an office building or factory may remain in contact with each, andwith the cellular telephone system, internet or the like by positioningtransmitter/receiver antenna for the off board electronics B throughoutthe hallways or rooms of the building. In shorter range, or personalapplications, the out board electronics B may be the form of a desktopunit, or other device adapted for positioning within relatively short(e.g. no greater than about 10 feet, no greater than about 20 feet, nogreater than about 50 feet, no greater than 100 feet) of the user duringthe normal use activities.

In all of the foregoing constructions of the invention, the off boardelectronics B may communicate remotely with the remote source R. SourceR may be the cellular telephone network, or other remote source. In thismanner, the driver electronics may be off loaded from the headset, toreduce bulk, weight and power consumption characteristics. The headsetmay nonetheless communicate with a remote source R, by relaying thesignal through the off board electronics B with or without modification.

Optionally, the audio device 510C can be configured to provide one ortwo-way communication with a stationary source device S. The stationarysource device can be, for example, but without limitation, a cellularphone mounted in an automobile, a computer, or a local area network.

One embodiment of an input data management system 600 in accordance withthe present inventions is schematically illustrated in FIG. 52. The datamanagement system 600 includes a wearable electronic interface 601 forproviding data from one or more selected data sources to the wearer. Theinterface 601 is in communication with a primary data source 602 andoptionally at least one secondary source 604. Communication between theprimary source 602 and any secondary source 604 and the interface 601 isaccomplished via at least one communication link 606. In one embodiment,the wearable electronic interface 601 is in communication with one, two,three, or n secondary sources 604.

In general, the data input management system is configured to allow auser to select one or more data sources, to be placed eithersimultaneously or one at a time into electrical communication with asingle user interface. This allows the wearer to obtain the benefits ofmultiple input sources, without the need to replace or make any changesto the interface. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the usermay select only a single data source for connection to the interface.Alternatively, the user may select one source as a primary input sourceand a second source as the secondary input source. The interface maytoggle between the input sources, to provide input to the user eitherautomatically, or in response to demand by the user or other electronicprioritization system.

The primary source 602 and secondary source 604 may be any source,conduit, or provider of audio, video or audio/video information selectedby the wearer or by the manufacturer. The examples identified below willtherefore be designated generically as source electronics. For example,the source electronics may include a computing device, such as acomputer, a server, a network, drive, RAM, ROM or other non-removable orremovable memory chip.

The source electronics may alternatively comprise a digital audioplayer, such as an mp3 player, an IPOD®, or a multimedia player such asa portable DVD player where the audio track is to be routed to thesupport.

Any of a variety of current electronic devices can be converted intowireless source electronics for use in the present system. For example,a device such as a portable DVD player is conventionally provided withinternal speakers and a headphone jack for enabling wired connection toan external headphone. The portable DVD player can be converted for useas a source in the system of the present inventions by providing aBluetooth or other radio frequency transmitter and power supply in asmall housing, provided with an externally projecting plug of a sizecorresponding to the earphone jack. The converter can be plugged intothe external earphone or external speaker jack of any conventionalsource of electrical signal, and convert the source into a Bluetooth orother RF enabled signal source for use with the interface with thepresent invention.

The source electronics may be a microphone or a radio, such as aterrestrial-based or satellite-based radio, including XM® or SIRIUS®brand satellite radios. In other embodiments, the source electronics maybe a telephone, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a BLACKBERRY®, or a pager. A variety of currently availabledevices, for example, a BLACKBERRY®, pager, any of a variety of PDA'sand e-mail enabled devices such as notebook computers provide incomingtext messages. In one aspect of the present inventions any of these textmessage devices is provided with text to voice software, enabling thetext to be read out loud. This enables the user to listen to a primarysource such as music, or the sound track from a portable DVD player, andincoming e-mails will be read out loud to the wearer, while the primarysource is either placed on pause, or remains running in the background.Text to voice software can either be carried by the support, or carriedby the underlying source such as the BLACKBERRY® or other PDA.

The source electronics may be external to the wearable electronicinterface 601, as illustrated in FIG. 52, in which case thecommunication link 606 may either be a direct electrical coupling (forexample hard wiring, or inductive coupling through the body), orwireless.

Wireless source electronics may be infrared enabled orradiofrequency-communication enabled, such as BLUETOOTH enabled. Forexample, in one embodiment, the source includes a BLUETOOTH enabledcellular telephone, although any of the source electronics describedherein may be radiofrequency-communication enabled.

The source electronics may alternatively be carried by or internal to(carried in a cavity or alternatively embedded within) the wearableelectronic interface 601. For example the primary source 602 may includea digital audio player, such as an mp3 player or other memory device,which is attached to or located within the frame of a pair ofeyeglasses. Electronically-enabled eyewear as a wearable electronicinterface 601 is described in greater detail herein. The secondarysource may be a cell phone, GPS device or other external device which isin radio communication as needed, with the interface. The primary andsecondary sources can both be completely contained on the wearableinterface, such as built into or carried by a pair of eyewear.

The source electronics may provide substantially discrete packets ofinformation, or may provide a substantially continuous stream ofinformation to the wearable electronic interface 601. Information packetsizes may be varied depending upon the communication link 606 used totransfer information from the source to the wearable electronicinterface 601.

In further embodiments, the source electronics may include a videosource, or an audio/video source. For example, in one embodiment, thesource includes a camera for real time viewing of a remote location orviewing direction, or a video playback device such as a DVD or VCR orsolid state video storage device. The source electronics mayalternatively be a tuner, a television receiver, or any other devicecapable of providing a signal indicative of still or moving images. Inone embodiment, the primary source 602 provides a photograph, a videoclip, an email, a videomail or a voicemail message in accordance withany of the embodiments described herein.

Any of the source electronics identified above can be selected as theprimary source 602 or secondary source 604. The secondary source 604communicates with the wearable electronic interface 601 via acommunication link 606 as well. Secondary source 604 and primary source602 may also include any content source 302 described in greater detailbelow with respect to FIG. 54.

The communication link 606 is any device, technology or informationconduit for providing communication between two or more electroniccomponents. For example, in one embodiment, the communication link 606includes a physical connection, such as a wire, cable, fiberoptic cable,or trace on a PC board. Such communication links 606 include USB,serial, RS-232, IEEE-1394, and FIREWIRE cables.

In another embodiment, the communication link 606 includes a wirelesscoupling, such as radiofrequency (RF), infrared (IR), acoustic, oroptical coupling. Such communication links 606 include BLUETOOTH andother wireless communications protocols and their associated hardware,as is well known to those of skill in the art. Communication link 606includes any communications link 306 described in greater detail belowwith reference to FIG. 54.

Referring again to FIG. 52, in one embodiment, the system 600 comprisesa wearable electronic interface 601. In one embodiment, the wearableelectronic interface 601 is any electronic device that may be worn by awearer, and that provides an interface between an information source,such as primary source 602 and secondary source 604, and the wearer.

In one embodiment, the wearable electronic interface 601 iselectronically enabled eyewear including audio, video or audio-videointerface capabilities such as described in greater detail elsewhereherein. However, wearable electronic interface 601 may be any wearabledevice, and may be in the form of any wearable support structure,including a wristwatch, armband, jewelry, headwear and clothing.Examples of such wearable electronic interface 601 clothing includeheadphones, ear phones, a hat, helmet, goggles, mask, visor, headband,hair band, shirt, scarf, sweater, jacket, belt, pants, vest, etc.

The wearable electronic interface 601 generally includes a data port608, a selector 610, and an audio output 612. In addition, in someembodiments, the wearable electronic interface 601 further includes avideo output 614, an audio input 616, and/or a video input 618.

The data port 608 is any device capable of receiving information from aprimary source 602 (or secondary source 604) via its associatedcommunication link 606. For example, in one embodiment, the data port608 is a physical connector such as a mini-USB connector depending uponthe nature of the communication link 606. In such embodiment, theprimary source 602 or secondary source 604 might be coupled to thewearable electronic interface 601 via a USB cable having a matingmini-USB connector on at least one of its ends. In another embodiment,the data port 608 includes a wireless transceiver for providing wirelesscommunication between the primary source 602 (or secondary source 604)and the wearable electronic interface 601. For example, in oneembodiment, the data port 608 includes a BLUETOOTH receiver ortransceiver. The data port 608 includes any data port 308 described ingreater detail below with respect to FIG. 22.

In one embodiment, the data port 608 is able to communicate withmultiple source devices 602, 604, either simultaneously, sequentially orserially. For example, in one embodiment, the data port 608 is aBLUETOOTH transceiver that is configured to communicate with more thanone BLUETOOTH enabled source device (e.g., a telephone and an mp3player).

Outputs from data port 608 are provided to a selector 610, which selectsthe source to be provided to the wearer of the wearable electronicinterface 601 at any particular time. The selector 610 may be any of avariety of switching devices suitable for switching between multipleelectronic input sources.

The selector 610 may include a mechanical, electrical, or anelectro-mechanical switch. For example, in one embodiment, the selector610 includes a manually operable control such as a toggle switch, arocker switch, a jumper, a dial, a button, a knob, or a combinationthereof. In another embodiment, the selector 610 includes anelectronically operable control such as a transistor, a bank oftransistors, a relay, a circuit, logic, a RAM, a ROM, a PLD, an EPROM,an EEPROM, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a multiplexor, ademultiplexor, or a combination thereof. In addition, the selector 610may be a voice-activated switch, or a voice-activated control thatcontrols selection between primary and secondary sources 602, 604 basedupon verbal commands provided by the wearer.

The selector 610 may also be coupled to an audio output 612, a videooutput 614, an audio input 616, and a video input 618 depending upon thedesired functionality of the system. The audio output 612 includes anydevice suitable for providing an audio signal to the wearer of thewearable electronic interface 601. For example, the audio output 612 mayinclude a speaker, including a bone conduction speaker, a buzzer, abeeper, an alarm, or any other device that produces an audible signal.

The selector 610 may be located on the wearable electronic interface601, or may be remote from it. For example, in one embodiment, thewearable electronic interface 601 includes a pair of electronicallyenabled eyeglasses, and the selector 610 comprises a manually activatedcontrol such as a button or touch pad located on an earstem, an orbitalor the bridge, or on a remote associated component such as the cellphone or a wristwatch. Any other wearable electronic interface 601 orselector 610 location may be utilized.

The video output 614 includes any device suitable for providing a videosignal to the wearer of the selector 610. For example, in oneembodiment, the video output 614 includes a light, a lamp, an LED, orany of a variety of image displays such as a screen, a display, amonitor, a head-mounted display, or any other device that produces avisible signal or image.

The audio input 616 of the wearable electronic interface 601 includesany device suitable for converting an audible signal into an electronicsignal that can be processed or carried by the wearable electronicinterface 601. For example, in one embodiment, the audio input 616includes a microphone, including a bone conduction microphone.

The video input 618 of the wearable electronic interface 601 includesany device suitable for converting an image, or visual information intoan electronic signal that can be processed or carried by the wearableelectronic interface 601. For example, in one embodiment, the videoinput 618 includes a camera, a still camera, or a video camera. Seegenerally U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,001 to Spitzer, entitled EyeglassInterface System, the disclosure of which is incorporated in itsentirety herein by reference.

In one embodiment, during operation, the wearer of the wearableelectronic interface 601 manually selects which input source 602, 604 isplaced in communication with the interface output. The wearer can switchinput sources by activation of the selector at any time. In anotherembodiment, the wearable electronic interface 601 automatically selectsthe particular input source 602, 604 for communication based upon aprioritization schedule configured by the wearer.

In one embodiment of manual selection operation, the primary source 602coupled to the wearable electronic interface 601 is an mp3 player, andthe secondary source 604 is a BLUETOOTH enabled cellular telephone. Inthis embodiment, the wearer listens to mp3 audio provided by the primarysource 602 through audio output 612 (e.g., speakers) coupled to thewearable electronic interface 601. Various embodiments of such wearableelectronic interfaces 601 containing or carrying mp3 or other digitalaudio players are discussed in greater detail herein.

In manual selection operation, when a telephone call is received via asecondary source 604, the secondary source 604 sends a signal or analarm to the wearer to inform the wearer that an incoming call isoccurring. The signal or alarm may be an audio signal provided by theaudio output 612, it may be a visual signal, such as a flashing light,provided by the video output 614, a conventional vibrator or cell phone“ring” or it may be a combination of signals. In one embodiment, thesignal includes caller identification information.

If the wearer determines that he would like to answer the incomingtelephone call, the wearer activates the selector 610 using anymechanism described above. For example, in one embodiment, the wearerpresses a button on the selector 610 to accept the incoming call fromthe secondary source 604, and to simultaneously pause, stop, mute, orpartially decrease the playback volume from the primary source 602.

When the selector 610 is activated, information from the secondarysource 604 is provided through the associated communication link 606 anddata port 608 to the selector 610. The selector 610 routes thecommunication from the secondary source 604 to the audio output 612 sothat the wearer can hear the incoming call without having to remove oradjust the wearable electronic interface 601.

In addition, the selector 610 includes sufficient logic to know thatwhen an incoming telephone call is being received from a source 602,604, the audio input 616 (e.g., microphone) of the wearable electronicinterface 601 will be activated to provide communication from the wearerback to the secondary source 604. Similarly, if the source electronicsselected by the user carries video signals, the selector 610additionally activates the video display carried by the eyeglasses orother support structure. If the source electronics selected by the useror automatically by the selector 610 includes only an audio signal, themicrophone and video display, if present, remain dormant.

When the telephone call is terminated, the wearable electronic interface601 may be configured to resume playback of the mp3 file, to increasethe playback volume to previous levels, or to take no further action.The wearer may customize wearable electronic interface 601 operation asdesired.

With reference to FIGS. 51, 53A, and 54B, in another embodiment, theaudio device 510C is advantageously adapted to support any of a varietyof portable electronic circuitry or devices which have previously beendifficult to incorporate into conventional headsets due to bulk, weightor other considerations. For example, but without limitation, theelectronics are digital or other storage devices and retrieval circuitrysuch as for retrieving music or other information from MP3 format memoryor other memory devices. The audio device 510C can carry any of avariety of receivers and/or transmitters, such as transceiver 630. Forexample, but without limitation, the audio device 510C can carryreceivers and/or transmitters for music or for global positioning. Inanother example, the audio device 510C can carry receivers and/ortransmitters for telecommunications (e.g., telecommunications devices).As used herein, the term “telecommunications devices” is intended toinclude telephone components as well as devices for communicating with atelephone. For example, “telecommunications devices” can include one ormore transceivers for transmitting an audio signal to a cellular phoneto be transmitted by the cellular phone as the speaker's voice, and/orfor receiving an audio signal from a cellular phone representing acaller's voice. Of course, other audio, video, or data signals can betransmitted between the audio device 510C and such a cellular phonethrough such transceivers.

In other embodiments, drivers and other electronics for driving heads-updisplays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniature displaytechnology can also be carried by the audio device 510C. The powersource 632 can be carried by the audio device 510C. For example, withoutlimitation, the power source 632 can advantageously be replaceable orrechargeable. Other electronics or mechanical components canadditionally be carried by the audio device 510C. In other embodiments,the audio device 510C can also be utilized solely to support any of theforegoing or other electronics components or systems, without alsosupporting one or more lenses in the wearer's field of view. Thus, inany of the embodiments of the audio devices disclosed herein, the lensesand/or lens orbitals can be omitted as will be apparent to those ofskill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

With reference to FIGS. 51, 53A, and 53B, in another embodiment, thetransceiver 630 is adapted to employ a wide variety of technologies,including wireless communication such as RF, IR, ultrasonic, laser oroptical, as well as wired and other communications technologies. In oneembodiment, a body-LAN radio is employed. Other embodiments can employ aflexible-circuit design. Many commercially available devices can be usedas transceiver 630. For example, without limitation, Texas Instruments,National Semiconductor, Motorola manufacture and develop single RFtransceiver chips, which can use, for example, 0.18 micron, 1.8 V powertechnologies and 2.4 GHz transmission capabilities. Of course, a varietyof transceiver specifications are available and usable, depending on theparticular embodiment envisioned. In another implementation, othercommercially available products operating at 900 MHz to 1.9 GHz or morecan be used. Data rates for information transfer to wearable or othertype computing devices will vary with each possible design. In apreferred implementation, a data rate is sufficient for text display. RFproducts, and other products, ultimately will be capable of updating afull-color display and have additional capabilities as well. Thus,heads-up displays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniaturedisplay technology described above can be employed.

An audio network 300 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent inventions is illustrated in FIG. 54. Audio network 700 includesa content source 702 coupled to an audio device 704 via communicationslink 706. The content source 702 is any of a variety of informationsources, including, but not limited to, radio stations and/or signals, asatellite radio source, a computer, a network, a storage device, such asa hard drive, a memory card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) drive, anaudio component (e.g., a stereo receiver, a CD player, a tuner, an MP3player, a digital audio player, etc.), a database, and/or acommunications-enabled device, such as a telephone (including aBLUETOOTH enabled telephone), a PDA, a BLACKBERRY, the Internet, or thelike. The content provided by the content source 702 may be any of avariety of information, including but not limited to, audio files,entertainment, news, media, music, photos, videos, advertising, etc.

The audio device 704 may be any of the audio devices described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-19 of U.S. Application Publication No.2006/0132382, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference,or may include any of the audio devices described below. In oneembodiment, audio device 704 is electronically enabled eyewear, asdiscussed herein. Audio device 704 is coupled to content source 702 viacommunications link 706. Communications link 706 may be any of a varietyof information conduits known to those of skill in the art, including: acable, a wire, a conductor, a bus, an RF signal, a radio signal, asatellite signal, a BLUETOOTH signal, etc. In one embodiment, thecommunications link 706 includes a USB, mini-USB, USB-to-mini-USB,FIREWIRE, IEEE 1394, RS232, SCSI, or any other cable. In one embodiment,the communications link 706 is temporarily attached to the audio device704 for the transfer of content from the content source 702 to the audiodevice 704. In another embodiment, the communications link 706 is aretractable cable mounted at least partially inside of the audio device704.

In one embodiment, the audio network 700 is configured for thedownloading of music from the content source 702 (e.g., a user'scomputer) to the audio device 704. In another embodiment, the audionetwork 700 is configured for the uploading of content stored within theaudio device 704 to the content source 702.

One embodiment of the audio device 704 is illustrated in FIG. 54. Audiodevice 704 generally includes a data port 708, data interface 710,processor 712, digital-to-analog converter 714, speaker drivers 716, andspeakers 718. In addition, audio device 704 generally also includes acontrol interface 720, user controls 722, display/indicator drivers 724,display/indicators 726, power module 728, and memory module 730;however, any one or more of these components may be combined. Forexample, in one embodiment, data interface 710, control interface 720,display/indicator drivers 724, digital-to-analog converter 714, andspeaker drivers 716 are combined with processor 712 into a singlecomponent.

The display/indicator drivers 724 are generally amplifiers or otherdrivers known to those of skill in the art, useful for driving oractivating display/indicators 726. In one embodiment, thedisplay/indicator drivers 724 receive signals from the processor 712 andgenerate drive signals to turn on or off display elements of thedisplay/indicators 726. In one embodiment, the display/indicators 726include an LED, LCD, light, tone, sound, beep, vibration, or other suchdisplay or indicator, or other indicators known to those of skill in theart. In one embodiment, the display/indicators 726 indicate a songselection, a power level, a volume, a remaining battery life, an artist,a song title, a time remaining during the playback of an audio file, aduration of an audio file's playback, or any other data related to anaudio data file.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of acertain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that the present inventions extend beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiment to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of theinventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Inparticular, while the present support assembly, support, detachablemodule and methods have been described in the context of a particularlypreferred embodiment, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view ofthe present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects ofthe support assembly, support, detachable module and method may berealized in a variety of other devices. Additionally, it is contemplatedthat various aspects and features of the inventions described can bepracticed separately, combined together, or substituted for one another,and that a variety of combination and sub-combinations of the featuresand aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of theinvention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionsherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiment described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable electronically enabled interfacesystem for providing audio and/or video interaction with a wearer,comprising: an eyewear frame configured to be worn by the wearer; amodule that is removably attachable to the eyewear frame, wherein themodule comprises a speaker, an electronics module, and an articulatingarm, the electronics module being configured to be in electricalcommunication with the speaker to provide audio communication to thewearer, wherein the articulating arm comprises the electronics moduleand further comprises a connector, a rotatable portion, and a rotatablejoint coupling the connector and the rotatable portion, the rotatableportion configured to rotate relative to the eyewear frame and theconnector via the rotatable joint while the module is attached to theeyewear frame; a processor and software configured to provide the wearerwith visual and/or voice-activated system commands for operatingdifferent functions of the electronically enabled interface system; aGPS device for global position data; and an accelerometer for detectingmovement of the wearable support.
 2. A wearable electronically enabledinterface system as in claim 1, wherein the module further comprises atransceiver configured to wirelessly communicate via a long-rangewireless protocol.
 3. A wearable electronically enabled interface systemas in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of receivers configured toallow wireless communication via a first wireless protocol and a secondwireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol.
 4. Awearable electronically enabled interface system as in claim 1, whereinthe speaker is a bone conduction speaker.
 5. A wearable electronicallyenabled interface system as in claim 1, further comprising a displaydevice.
 6. A wearable electronically enabled interface system as inclaim 5, wherein the display device comprises a screen.
 7. A wearableelectronically enabled interface system as in claim 1, wherein themodule is removably attachable to an earstem of the eyewear frame.
 8. Awearable electronically enabled interface system as in claim 7, whereinthe eyewear frame comprises a lens.
 9. A wearable electronically enabledinterface system for providing audio and/or video interaction with awearer, comprising: an eyewear frame configured to be worn by thewearer; an articulating arm separate from and carried by the frame, thearticulating arm comprising a connector, a rotatable portion, and arotatable joint coupling the connector and the rotatable portion, therotatable portion configured to rotate relative to the eyewear frame andthe connector via the rotatable joint while the articulating arm isattached to the eyewear frame, wherein the rotatable portion comprisesan electronics module and a speaker; a processor and software configuredfor operating different functions of the interface system; and a voiceactivated control for controlling audio and/or video functions, whereinthe electronics module is configured to be in electrical communicationwith the voice activated control.
 10. A wearable electronically enabledinterface system as in claim 9, wherein the eyewear frame comprises alens.
 11. A wearable electronically enabled interface system as in claim9, wherein the electronics module is configured to be in wirelesscommunication with a cellular telephone and configured to provide visualcaller identification information to the wearer on a display deviceduring an incoming call.
 12. A wearable electronically enabled interfacesystem as in claim 9, configured for connectivity to a wireless internetservice provider.
 13. A wearable electronically enabled interface systemas in claim 9, further comprising a noise cancellation capability.
 14. Awearable electronically enabled interface system as in claim 9, furthercomprising text to voice functionality to read incoming textualinformation to the wearer.
 15. A wearable electronically enabledinterface system as in claim 1, wherein the eyewear frame compriseselectronics.
 16. A wearable electronically enabled interface system asin claim 1, wherein the module is configured to function without beingattached to the frame.
 17. A wearable electronically enabled interfacesystem as in claim 9, wherein the electronics module comprises at leastone of a transmitter and a receiver.
 18. A wearable electronicallyenabled interface system as in claim 9, wherein the electronics modulecomprises a biometric sensor.
 19. A wearable electronically enabledinterface system as in claim 9, wherein the electronics module comprisesa sensor configured to measure speed and/or acceleration.
 20. A wearableelectronically enabled interface system as in claim 9, wherein thearticulating arm is configured to function without being attached to theframe.
 21. A wearable electronically enabled interface system as inclaim 1, wherein the rotatable portion comprises the electronics module.22. A wearable electronically enabled interface system as in claim 9,further comprising a module separate from and carried by the frame, themodule being separate from the articulating arm.
 23. The wearableelectronically enabled interface system of claim 22, wherein the modulecomprises a transceiver.
 24. A wearable electronically enabled interfacesystem for providing audio and/or video interaction with a wearer,comprising: an eyewear frame configured to be worn by the wearer; anarticulating arm separate from and carried by the frame, thearticulating arm comprising a connector, a rotatable portion, and arotatable joint coupling the connector and the rotatable portion, therotatable portion configured to rotate relative to the eyewear frame andthe connector via the rotatable joint while the articulating arm isattached to the eyewear frame, wherein the rotatable portion comprisesan electronics module; and a processor and software configured foroperating different functions of the interface system.
 25. The wearableelectronically enabled interface system of claim 24, further comprisinga speaker attached to one of the eyewear frame and the articulating arm.26. The wearable electronically enabled interface system of claim 25,wherein the speaker is a bone conduction speaker.
 27. The wearableelectronically enabled interface system of claim 24, further comprisinga voice activated control for controlling audio and/or video functions,wherein the electronics module is configured to be in electricalcommunication with the voice activated control.
 28. A wearableelectronically enabled interface system as in claim 24 wherein theelectronics module comprises a biometric sensor.
 29. A wearableelectronically enabled interface system as in claim 24, wherein theelectronics module comprises a sensor configured to measure speed and/oracceleration.